Consumers Power  Care Program   << Click for forms and information

Make Your Energy Bill More Manageable

If you need assistance managing your energy bill, the Consumers Affordable Resource for Energy (CARE) Program may help. 

CARE is a two-year affordable payment plan that helps you stay on top of your energy bills. As a CARE member, you will receive the following benefits: 

  • A portion of your monthly bill will be paid by the program
  • Any past due balance you might have will be gradually forgiven as a reward for on time payments


    • As a CARE member, you may also be eligible to receive no-cost, in-home energy efficiency upgrades to help reduce you energy costs through our Helping Neighbors Program. To learn more, call 877-448-9433 or visit ConsumersHelpingNeighbors.com 

    For this year only – CARE customers currently enrolled in a 2 year CARE plan will be automatically enrolled into 2nd year of the program starting October 1, 2018. There is no income validation or documents required to continue receiving CARE benefits until NEXT YEAR – September 30, 2019. Validation is required for new customers.
    Eligibility

    To qualify, customers must meet the following criteria:

    CARE Enrollment Process

    The enrollment period is open from October 1, 2018 until the program is filled. Space is limited. Dial 2-1-1 to find an enrolling agency in your area or contact any the agencies below. 

    Assistance Programs

    If the CARE Program isn't right for you, below are additional assistance programs.

    State Emergency Relief (October 1 - May 31)
    ProvidersMichigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
    How to QualifyMust be past due* and income eligible
    Possible BenefitsImmediate hold for online applicants - up to $850/energy service. $1,700 for combined natural gas/electric
    How to ApplyApply online at: mibridges.michigan.gov or contact your county DHHS office

    Recover some of last year’s heating costs by applying for the Home Heating Credit by September 30. <<< CLICK here  



    DTE ENERGY  LSP 

    Low Income Self Sufficiency  plan  << click here 

                                   Customers eligible to participate in the LSP must meet 
    income  and energy usage criteria.                                                                                           Federal and State Requirements
    • Income equal to or less than 150 percent Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Guidelines
    • Energy usage over the last 12 months is comparable with average annual usage for a residential customer

    Service TypeConsumption Over the Last 12 Months
    Both Gas and ElectricLess than or equal to $3,750
    Gas OnlyLess than or equal to $2,150
    Electric OnlyLess than or equal to $1,600

     Enrollment in the Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan begins each year on October 1.

    The LSP begins on October 1 and lasts until September 30 of the following year. This means you could be re-enrolled if you are eligible every year until you reach self-sufficiency. You must apply annually to determine eligibility.

    DTE Energy partners with various human service agencies to validate and complete the application process. If interested in applying, please contact the following agencies to request an application:

    United Way for Southeastern Michigan

    www.liveunitedsem.org/lsp

    The Heat And Warmth Fund (THAW)

    thawfund.org

    Michigan Community Action Agency Association (MCAAA)

    mcaaa.org

    Salvation Army

    salvationarmyusa.org/

    TrueNorth Community Services

    truenorthservices.org